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as long as get tire with original load index is it necessary to get OEM speed rating

10K views 10 replies 4 participants last post by  everfeb 
#1 ·
Curious. MY OEM tires are 205/50/17 with load index of 88 and V speed rating. Seeing as how car won't do more than 118mph is it necessary to go with V speed rating on replacement tires. V is 149mph. T is 118, U-124, H-130. When on highway (not that often) drive around 64 mph max unless passing for a few seconds. As long as tire has an 88+ load index would it be ok to put T, U, or H speed rated tires on. Sorry for asking so many tire related questions lately. Appreciate any replies.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for replying myork. More curious than anything although I have found a highly rated tire at a good price which is t rated (probably too low). On another forum I'm getting opinions that with the 3 it wouldn't do any harm to go with H or U ratings with a load index of 88 or maybe even a notch lower or higher. Why would Mazda put a V rated tire on the 3, it won't do more than 118mph, if that, with the speed limiter on it. Thanks for taking the time.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for taking the time cabOoze.
Kind of what I thought. Only have Secondary highways around here with speed limit 55mph. Fines are pretty stiff so we don't drive any more than 62-65 mph and don't usually drive more than 120 miles (2 hours) without a break (we ARE old). Around town-drive to get good gas mileage. No jackrabbit starts or drags, etc. Yea, don't exactly abuse our cars or tires.
Thanks for replying. Appreciate it.
 
#10 ·
Thanks XCNuse...you are right. For the 205/50/17 size I looked at 54 summer touring/all season's listed on tire rack and only 6 are H rated. None lower than that. Safety is more of an issue as I get older but at 62mph I'm doubting there would be much difference between an H and V rated tire that I would notice. Thanks for your thoughts. Appreciated.
 
#11 ·
What load index/speed rating tire to get for the 3 is no longer an issue. I traded er in yesterday (Fri) on a Kia Sportage LX AWD due to Mazda rusting issues.
Still have to get summers for our Acura and your comments have been helpful. Thank you all for your feedback...much appreciated.
 
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